"Assistant Director, Baylor Synthesis & Drug-Lead Discovery Laboratory & Associate Research Professor"

Assistant Director, Baylor Synthesis & Drug-Lead Discovery Laboratory & Associate Research Professor

Job Identification: 19661

Posting Date: 01/09/2026

Job Schedule: Full time

Locations: 101 Bagby Avenue, Waco, TX, 76706, US

Degree Level: Doctorate

What We Are Looking For

Baylor University is seeking the Assistant Director, Baylor Synthesis & Drug-Lead Discovery Laboratory & Associate Research Professor. The assistant director leads a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to advancing therapeutic discovery through innovative synthetic chemistry and drug development. This role manages all aspects of the laboratory's operations including synthetic chemistry, oversight of post-doctoral researchers, undergraduate mentoring, and grant writing while driving forward groundbreaking research in early stage drug-lead discovery.

A doctoral degree and ten years of relevant work experience are required.

All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

What You Will Do

• Provide scientific leadership and strategic vision for the laboratory's research programs
• Develop and implement long-term goals aligned with institutional priorities and emerging therapeutic needs
• Partner with Baylor Chemistry/Biochemistry PI's in initiating collaborations with faculty, investigators, and external partners
• Direct synthetic chemistry programs focused on lead compound identification and optimization with collaborating PIs
• Oversee structure-activity relationship studies and organic chemistry campaigns
• Guide transitional studies of promising compounds
• Maintain expertise in current synthetic methodologies and drug-discovery technologies
• Assist PIs in (i) filing patents working with Baylor's Tech Transfer Office and patent lawyers, (ii) publishing high-impact research in peer-reviewed journals, and (iii) occasionally present the laboratory's research at scientific conferences
• Supervise laboratory personnel including visiting research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, graduate & undergraduate students
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, institutional policies, and regulatory requirements
• Manage laboratory resources, equipment maintenance, and facility operations
• Oversee budget planning and resource allocation
• Implements quality control measures and standard operating procedures
• Conduct laboratory experiments including methods development, natural product derivatization, isolation and structure elucidation/characterization of novel organic compounds, HPLC purifications and biological probe synthesis
• Facilitate technology transfer and commercialization opportunities
• Engage with funding agencies and assist PIs in grant writing to private foundations and government agencies for collaborative/translational research
• Mentor postdoctoral researchers, graduate and undergraduate students
• Contribute to educational programs in organic chemistry and drug discovery
• Participate in hiring of personnel (post-doctoral researchers and undergraduates) in the Baylor Synthesis and Drug-Lead Discovery Laboratory and the Baylor MiniPharma Undergraduate Program
• Perform all other duties as assigned to support Baylor's mission
• Ability to comply with university policies
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance

What You Can Expect

As part of the Baylor family, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off, tuition remission, and outstanding automatic retirement contributions. Baylor has a comprehensive benefits plan that supports you and your family's wellbeing and allows you to be a part of the life of a vibrant and active college campus. To learn more, go to Baylor Benefits & Advantages.